A Panama-registered vessel with 23 Chinese sailors aboard ran aground off Norway's southern coast early Friday, according to reports from Oslo.

The "Full City" freighter was carrying about 1,120 tons of oil when it ran aground near Langesund, local newspaper VG reported.

Authorities said 16 Chinese sailors were evacuated from the ship while seven others remained aboard.

An official from the coastal affairs agency said the ship was leaking diesel oil into the surrounding coastal areas. To date, it has not been clear how much oil had leaked into the sea.

Engine failure and harsh weather conditions may be behind the mishap, authorities said.

Source: Xinhua